Railroad Perfection – #2

Hawkes – Red brick. When I was very small I thought that every red brick contained a friendly gnome. Maybe I saw a television show or read a book where that was the case. I don’t know. But the house must be red brick. Top to bottom.

Alice – Yes, dear.

Hawkes – Not the roof, of course. But everything is so expensive. I never thought I would care about money so much but I lie awake at night wondering about interest rates. Do you know how much our lives would improve if the interest rates went down half a percent? It’s incredible.

Alice – Yes, dear.

Hawkes – And it’s not just that. I don’t dream much anymore. Isn’t that odd? I never thought about it until maybe a month ago. I can’t for the life of me think of the last dream I had. What could it mean? What does it say about me? Have I lost my ability to dream, and if so, can I ever get it back? I suppose I shouldn’t worry.

Alice – Yes, dear.

Hawkes – Out there, look, smoke, a – plume of it. Yes. A fire? It would have to be. They are at it again. Nothing has ever been the same, has it? Our lives aren’t what they were.

Alice – Yes, dear.

Hawkes – But there’s still a future and I can’t help but go back to the bricks. Deep red are, I think, $1.75 more than the lighter bricks. That adds up! But I want them. Damn the cost! Oh, it hurts me to say it. More debt. More worry. And the rates!

Alice – Hawkes, please please please can you stop talking. Please you are making my heard hurt until I feel like my skull is going to squeeze out my mind. This endless endless chattering. Please.